Medic urges Kenyans to support reproductive technology

Kenyans have been urged to embrace reproductive technology in a bid to enhance the identification of genetic abnormalities in embryos and reduce infertility.

Dr Shaunak Siddhartha Khandwala (pictured), the Director of Clinical Services and Consultant at Fertility Point noted that while the journey to parenthood is a profound and transformative experience, infertility has been presenting a myriad of challenges, from emotional distress to societal pressures.

The journey, he said, can be fraught with grief, frustration, and strain on relationships.

“For many individuals, the innate desire to have children propels them towards various paths, including IVF, in pursuit of realising their dreams of parenthood. Age is a significant factor, with individuals over 40 seeking treatments to fulfil their parenthood aspirations despite age-related obstacles,” he said.

Personal circumstances

Career aspirations, relationship dynamics, and personal circumstances, he added contribute to delayed family planning, leading to a reduced fertility window for many.

The challenges can however be overcome by advancements in reproductive technology which he said has opened new avenues for family building, including Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).

He said the revolutionary technique allows for the screening of embryos created through IVF for genetic abnormalities before implantation.

“PGD not only identifies and mitigates the risk of passing on inherited genetic disorders but also provides hope to individuals with a family history of such conditions.

By screening embryos for genetic abnormalities, he stated that PGD reduces the risk of inherited disorders and increases the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy, offering patients peace of mind and confidence in their family-building journey.